Mixed in the heavens, merits and virtues become immortals

Chapter 344 I can't tell them apart, I really can't tell them apart!

The ancient trees in Hangzhou are gloomy and eerie, casting a hazy glow even without smoke.

Gu Qing took a deep breath, feeling the moisture rushing towards her. After inhaling deeply, she felt more refreshed. After working in the shop for a while, Gu Qing finished tidying up a few things, closed the shop door, and walked along the street.

It is now the Shaoxing era. As the imperial court moved to Hangzhou, a large population gathered in the city in a short period of time. Most of the houses here are built with bamboo, wood and thatch. The imperial court also issued an order to "replace thatch with tiles" in Lin'an, but due to financial shortages, it could not be implemented.

Gu Qing found a stall to sit down, ordered a bowl of soup and a few rice cakes. While eating, he overheard the cook say that his home was on Ma Xing Street in Bianliang. After Bianliang fell, he fled there. The rice cakes and soup were made using family recipes, and the soup was even designated by the founding emperor.

"The flavor is well preserved."

After tasting it, Gu Qing praised it.

"My family's is the most authentic."

The shopkeeper said instinctively, then asked with slight surprise, "Young man, have you eaten the first soup of Bianliang?"

"I've eaten!"

Gu Qing nodded. He had eaten it during the Tianlong era, when Bianliang City was at its most prosperous. However, times have changed, and Li Qingzhao, who ate it at that time, was already in her fifties or sixties.

Gu Qing paid the bill, stood up, popped a piece of "mint flavor" into his mouth, and then headed towards Qingyutang.

In the Legend of the White Snake, Wang Fengshan was Xu Xian's first benefactor. He taught Xu Xian medical skills and even tried to arrange a marriage for him. He was a very good person. When Gu Qing arrived at Qing Yu Tang, the plump Master Wang was busy running around. After hearing that he was visiting, he saw Gu Qing, quickly straightened his clothes, and stepped forward with a smile to greet him, saying, "Boss Gu."

"What brings you here today?"

Wang Fengshan gestured for Gu Qing to sit down and had tea served.

"Today is the birthday of the True Lord of Cishan, who is known for his virtue, prosperity, and benevolence. We will need to make offerings at Huoshan Road outside Qiantang Gate, so the gate is closed."

Gu Qing picked up his teacup and spoke casually.

This deity is named Zhang Bo, who is said to be an assistant to Yu the Great and a deity who controlled floods. He has been worshipped for 1,300 years. On the eighth day of the second lunar month in Hangzhou, a large market is held because of this deity. As an outsider, Gu Qing knows that there are gods and immortals everywhere in this world, and whenever he has the opportunity to worship a god, he will go up and pay his respects.

"It should, it should."

Wang Fengshan laughed.

Although Gu Qing and Wang Fengshan both run pharmacies, there is no conflict between them. Firstly, the pharmacy business is never-ending, and secondly, the imperial court has established the Taiping Huimin Bureau, which provides inexpensive medicines and treats illnesses. During epidemics, it also distributes medicines for free, giving the people other options.

People like Gu Qing and Wang Fengshan mostly earn money from medical treatment.

After the two had tea, Wang Fengshan inquired about several unusual illnesses, most of which were circulated in Hangzhou. Gu Qing shared his methods of treating these ailments without reservation, mentioning that sesame oil and vinegar could be used to relieve pain from biliary ascariasis, and that fishermen and farmers in the Jiangnan region were prone to schistosomiasis, which could lead to splenomegaly, among other things.

In terms of healing methods, Gu Qing possessed medical expertise from multiple worlds and insights from later generations. His words were often incisive and insightful, which broadened Wang Fengshan's horizons.

"It's an eye-opener, an eye-opener."

Wang Fengshan's hand ached from writing, so he copied down everything Gu Qing said.

Having said enough, Gu Qing turned the conversation to his disciple Xu Xian, saying, "My disciple is kind-hearted, handsome, and refined, but he's easily influenced and sometimes indecisive. So I'd like to find him a wife who has a strong will..."

Gu Qing then mentioned Pei Yuanwai's daughter.

Only then did Wang Fengshan realize Gu Qing's purpose, and he laughed heartily, "That girl Yaoqin has been helping Fatty Pei manage his business since she was little. She's a master at managing a household. Many wealthy men around here are asking the Pei family for her hand in marriage." At this point, Wang Fengshan frowned slightly and said, "Although Xu Xian is your apprentice, I've heard that his parents died early, and he lives with his sister and brother-in-law. I'm afraid..."

This family might be considered beneath them.

Gu Qing saved Fatty Pei, but if she tries to take advantage of his kindness, Xu Xian's marriage may not be peaceful.

“I’ve already thought of a solution for him.” Gu Qing took out a handkerchief from her bosom and slowly untied it. Wang Fengshan saw that it contained a green piece the size of a melon seed and a faint minty scent.

"Master Wang should have heard of [chicken tongue fragrance]."

Gu Qing introduced with a smile, "This is my newly made [New Cock Tongue Fragrance]."

Clove is also known as mother clove. In ancient times, if ministers had bad breath, the emperor would reward them with mother cloves, which they could hold in their mouths to freshen their breath before speaking.

Wang Fengshan took a piece, put it in his mouth, and felt the refreshing minty fragrance fill his mouth, invigorating his mind. He was surprised and said, "I was wondering why Boss Gu's breath smelled so fresh. So this is what it is."

Gu Qing smiled silently. After mastering the five volumes of the Heavenly Book, all of Gu Qing's martial arts techniques returned to their origin. The Dao Heart Demon Seed Technique was also different, and he could naturally carry a body fragrance. However, Gu Qing was able to harmonize Yin and Yang, so a pure man like Wang Fengshan could not smell it.

During the Song Dynasty, scholars and officials enjoyed making and appreciating incense. Gu Qing used clove incense to get in touch with the Pei family.

"There are currently only two types of this chicken tongue fragrance: one is mint-flavored, and the other is bamboo leaf-flavored."

Gu Qing said, "If Master Wang and Master Pei are willing, we can cooperate to sell this incense to places like Chunfenglou and Taihelou."

Taihe Tower and Chunfeng Tower were both famous brothels in Lin'an.

Upon hearing this, Wang Fengshan was quite puzzled and said, "Wouldn't it be more appropriate to sell it to the imperial court?"

Chicken tongue incense was originally reserved for officials.

Gu Qing sneered, "What's the difference between those in the imperial court and those in brothels? They're all just selling smiles to make a living."

Upon hearing this, Wang Fengshan felt that Gu Qing's words were sharp, but thinking about how the imperial court had even killed Yue Fei, he angrily slammed his fist on the table and said, "That's how it is!"

Gu Qing and Wang Fengshan exchanged a few words about politics, insulting Wanyan Gou and Qin Hui, which rapidly shortened the distance between them. In the end, Wang Fengshan patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, I've got my eye on Xu Xian and Pei Yaoqin's matchmaking!"

Gu Qing nodded repeatedly and said, "I truly hope my disciple will be happy!"

Hurry up and lock Xu Xian up!
He couldn't handle Lady White Snake!

As for divine retribution... ignorance is no excuse!

What about the Purple Star descending to earth, the God of Literature descending to the mortal realm, or guidance from Guanyin Bodhisattva...?

In the world of Jade Dynasty, after Gu Qing killed the Beast God, he fulfilled Linglong's thousand-year-old wish and gained a lot of merit. The kindness of Bai Suzhen for seventeen hundred years may also be a great reward.

After saying goodbye to Wang Fengshan, Gu Qing headed towards the "Guanghui Temple".

The people gathered here, with the state participating in the grand ceremony, officials welcoming and presenting horses to the temple, pavilions constructed of various pearls and jade, colorful flags, dance troupes, and drums, all imitating the customs of Bianliang. Along the way, Gu Qing also saw many masks, including those of heavenly soldiers and generals, as well as real birds and aquatic creatures.

As Gu Qing walked, he saw a Dragon King mask, stopped and examined it closely.

"This mask is nice."

Just then, a young man in blue robes walked by, accompanied by five attendants. He passed by Gu Qing, removed his Dragon King mask, and was about to speak when he suddenly paused, sniffed the air twice, licked his lips slightly, then turned around, stared at Gu Qing, and said, "Brother, you smell so good!"

"..."

Gu Qing frowned and checked her own condition. The body fragrance switch was working properly... it shouldn't be attracting the young boy and girl.

But the young man in blue before them had a face as white as the autumn moon, a slender build, and a natural masculine air about him, making it impossible to tell that he was a woman dressed as a man.

I can’t tell the difference, I really can’t tell the difference!
(End of this chapter)